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Student Protests Shake Serbia: Kosjeric Election Turns Into Test For Serbian Government

June 9, 2025, 3:30 am

Citizens of the Serbian town of Kosjeric came out in record numbers on Sunday to vote in a high-stakes town council election viewed as a test of critical importance to the government in Belgrade. The election comes after months of demonstrations led by students outraged by a fatal infrastructure failure in November.

Protests started after the roof of a newly restored train station in Novi Sad collapsed, killing 16 people. The accident, which was generally blamed on corruption and government negligence, enflamed outrage among the public and student groups nationwide. Protests have since put President Aleksandar Vucic and his nationalist Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) under immense pressure.

By 6:00 pm local time (1600 GMT), turnout had already passed 76 percent, said Sandra Filipovic, director of the local electoral commission. “There are still two hours left, and turnout could rise even higher,” she said in an interview with reporters. The 2021 municipal elections had registered 73 percent voter turnout.

The SNS is threatened with a robust challenge from an independent coalition of candidates, with most of them being politics newcomers or opposition members contesting as non-party affiliates. The coalition is regarded as a pilot model for other national elections in the future, if the protests momentum persists.

The student-led rebellion has already caused mainstream political turmoil, such as the resignation of the prime minister and the collapse of the old government. Parliament in April installed Djuro Macut a doctor with no political background as new prime minister in a bid to regain public trust.

President Vucic has brushed off the protests as foreign-sponsored meddling, terming them an “attempted coup” and hinting that early national elections might now be just around the corner.

With such strong voter turnout in Kosjeric, the result of this local election would echo throughout Serbia, establishing the tone for the future of Serbia’s politics.

Mass Protests In Belgrade: Thousands Rally Against Government Amid Corruption Allegations

March 14, 2025, 10:00 pm

Thousands of demonstrators, mainly students, poured through the streets of Belgrade on Friday, in preparation for what will likely be one of the largest protest rallies against the government in years. Many had come from far away some on bicycles, others on foot to participate in the burgeoning protest against President Aleksandar Vucic’s government.

Live video showed crowds waving and cheering Serbian flags as student groups entered different Belgrade suburbs before gathering in the city center. The protests, which started following a fatal railway station roof collapse in Novi Sad where 15 people died on November 1, have also expanded to incorporate teachers, farmers, and workers. The protesters attribute the accident to negligence and government corruption.

As tensions mount, Vucic’s outgoing Prime Minister, Milos Vu evic, who has already resigned in protest at the crisis, made a blunt threat of violence, warning that authorities will use force if provoked. “The state has the machinery of force please do not provoke it,” Vu evic warned in a TV address.

At the same time, Vucic’s allies have also made mobilizations, establishing camp outside his office and positioning tractors around their protest site.

The demonstrations were originally calloused by student protests for disclosure of information on the railway station tragedy, such as the release of pertinent documents and prosecuting those liable. Although the authorities have indicted 13 individuals and disclosed an anti-corruption policy, protest organizers are not convinced and continue demanding wider political reforms.

The head of the Serbian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Porfirije, called on all sides to abandon violence, and Vucic’s office said the president would speak to the country at 6:00 p.m. (1700 GMT). With tensions running high, the next few days could be decisive for Serbia’s future.

Serbia’s Student Uprising: Protesters Demand Justice Challenging Vucic’s Rule

February 15, 2025, 10:38 pm

Protesters from all over the country rallied in freezing weather, calling for those responsible for the tragedy in Novi Sad, where 15 died on November 1, to be held accountable. The disaster has intensified a general outrage over rampant government corruption and nepotism that many believe had a role in the collapse of the station.

The protests, the largest Serbia has seen in years, pose a serious challenge to President Aleksandar Vucic’s decade-long rule. Holding national flags, beating drums, and blowing whistles, students vowed to block a main boulevard in Kragujevac for 15 hours and 15 minutes in tribute to the victims. A solemn 15-minute silence was also observed.

We are here to struggle for a better tomorrow, against corruption,” declared Jovan, 20-year-old university student who had come all the way from Belgrade to attend the protest.

Support from the public for the movement has continued to be overwhelming, with Serbians generally supporting the calls of the students for justice. Verica, 52-year-old lecturer, who went along with her teenager daughter, appreciated their perseverance. “I have not been this happy and proud for many years,” she explained.

Though the government denies corruption, the increasing unrest indicates a worsening crisis for the government as calls for transparency and reform grow.

Serbia’s Student-Led Protests Escalate, Challenging Vucic’s Leadership

February 2, 2025, 2:38 am

Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vuic is faced with an unprecedented challenge as student-led protests gather strength, a challenge that goes one step forward as it challenges Vuic’s leadership as the country enters the most intense student protest seen so far.

On Saturday, tens of thousands of people gathered in Novi Sad, blocking three of its main bridges to mark three months since a deadly railway station collapse killed 15 people. Protesters blame the tragedy on government corruption and negligence, fueling nationwide dissent. “These are the largest protests Serbia has ever seen,” said Dejan Bagaric, a student protester. “People are angry because corruption has gone too far.”

The protests, which started in November, had been galvanized for a further reason, that the government had been remiss in accepting responsibility for the disaster. A Chinese state consortium managed the station’s reconstruction, supposedly under no proper safety scrutiny. The crucial issue here is that transparency and accountability have apparently resulted in this disaster.

Human rights lawyer Cedomir Stojkovic, who filed a criminal complaint that led to an investigation, accused authorities of trying to cover up the affair. “Instead of justice, they chose deception,” he said. The protests, which began as student-led, have spread to more than 100 towns and villages, uniting professors and farmers, among others. Analysts say the movement reflects growing frustration with Vuic’s increasingly authoritarian rule and Serbia’s persistent corruption.

In response, Vuic has blamed foreign interference and released classified documents on the station’s collapse. Meanwhile, his ally, Prime Minister Milos Vuevic, resigned a move seen as a concession but unlikely to end the unrest.

With youth unemployment at a record high, many young Serbs have little to lose. Organizers are leaderless, so decisions are made collectively. “The students are setting the pace,” said opposition figure Srdan Milivojevic. “They won’t stop until Vuic falls.”

Serbia’s PM Milos Vucevic Resign Amidst Anti-Corruption Protests

January 28, 2025, 6:10 pm

Serbia’s Prime Minister Milos Vucevic has resigned amid weeks of massive anti-corruption protests that began following the deadly collapse of a concrete canopy at a railway station in Novi Sad last November. The tragedy, which claimed 15 lives, including two children, has become a symbol of broader dissatisfaction with President Aleksandar Vucic’s increasingly autocratic governance.

Public anger over alleged corrupt government practices and the lack of accountability forced Milos Vucevic to resign, as tensions surged across the nation.

“It is my appeal for everyone to calm down the passions and return to dialogue,” said Vucevic in a press conference on Tuesday. Novi Sad Mayor Milan Djuric also made his resignation following the same scenario.

Resignation to Facilitate the Early Parliamentary Elections

The prime minister’s resignation will open the way for an early parliamentary election. Serbia’s parliament has 30 days to confirm a new government or call a snap election. This change happens after ongoing protests in Belgrade where thousands of people joined striking university students on Monday for a 24-hour blockade of a major traffic intersection.

Students have been at the forefront of the protests, demanding justice for the victims of the Novi Sad incident and accountability for the alleged corruption that led to the collapse. The protests, gaining widespread public support, have also seen daily 15-minute traffic blockades across Serbia at 11:52 a.m., the exact time the canopy fell on November 1.

Government Faces Intense Scrutiny Amid Rising Tensions

To calm the unrest, Vucevic, along with President Vucic and Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabic, appealed for dialogue with the student protesters on Monday evening. The prime minister cited a fresh incident as the immediate cause for his resignation. A female student in Novi Sad was reportedly attacked on Tuesday by individuals allegedly affiliated with the ruling Serbian Progressive Party. “whenever it seems there is hope to return to social dialogue, to talk … it’s like an invisible hand creates a new incident and tensions mount again,” Vucevic said.

Serbia’s prosecutors have indicted 13 people, including a government minister, in connection with the Novi Sad tragedy. However, the release of former construction minister Goran Vesic from detention has fueled skepticism about the independence of the investigation.

China-Backed Infrastructure Deals Under Scrutiny

The Novi Sad railway station, renovated twice in the last two years under a wider infrastructure deal with Chinese state companies, has come under fire amid accusations of shoddy construction. Protests have also underscored anger over Serbia’s alignment with China for development projects.

Demonstrations turned violent at times with incidents where drivers rammed into protestors, and two young women were injured by such attacks. These issues notwithstanding, the movement has remained adamant about justice for 15 victims and ending systemic corruption.

Protest In Serbia: Railway Tragedy Calls For Justice Grow Amid Corruption Allegations

December 23, 2024, 2:11 am

Tens of thousands of demonstrators filled Belgrade on Sunday demanding that President Aleksandar Vucic of Serbia and his ruling Serbian Progressive Party, SNS, answer for the devastating collapse of a railway station roof in Novi Sad last month that killed 15 people. The accident, which happened November 1, killed 14 and another who later died from injuries. The roof of the recently renovated station at Novi Sad collapsed, and opposition leaders blame the incident on poor construction practices linked to government corruption and nepotism.

The ruling government, however denies the allegations. Vucic insists that those responsible for the tragedy must be held accountable. While the protests in Belgrade were the largest, smaller rallies also took place in Nis and Kragujevac. In Belgrade, the demonstration began with a 15-minute silence in honor of the victims, followed by chants such as “You have blood on your hands!”

Protesters are blaming the government for corruption and poor management of construction projects, especially regarding railway station overhauls involving Chinese state-owned companies. They argue that the involvement of questionable mega-projects by the government led to substandard work and failed to place safety first. Many protesters demand justice for those who caused the collapse.

Public figures, actors from Serbia’s popular theater and film industry, were notable in joining the protest; actor Bane Trifunovic called the rally “a festival of freedom.” In response to the protests, Vucic inaugurated a section of a newly built highway in central Serbia on Sunday, dismissing calls from the opposition for a transitional government. He accused them of trying to seize power by manipulating students, vowing that his government would overcome the protests.

Serbia’s President Hits Back At Foreign Plot Allegations Says “Won’t Run Like Assad”

December 12, 2024, 5:48 pm

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has alleged that foreign intelligence agencies are attempting to destabilize his government, as mass protests continue following a tragic train station collapse. The incident, which killed 15 people in Novi Sad on November 1, has ignited public outrage over alleged corruption and governance failures.

In a video shared on Instagram, Vucic dismissed growing criticism, declaring, “I will fight for Serbia and serve my people. I will never serve foreign interests or those who seek to destroy Serbia.”

Dismissing Comparisons to Assad

Responding to comparisons made by critics likening him to ousted Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, Vucic said, “If they think I’m Assad and I’ll flee, they are mistaken.” Opposition leaders have accused Vucic of clinging to power amid mounting unrest, likening the situation to Assad’s retreat during Syria’s civil war.

Vucic claimed the protests are part of a Western-led campaign to weaken Serbia through “hybrid tactics.” He vowed to reveal alleged foreign funding aimed at undermining his administration, stating, “I will expose how much money has been spent over the last four years to turn Serbia into a vassal state.”

Broader Protests and a Controversial Bill

The protests, which began with demands for accountability over the deadly station collapse, have expanded into broader demonstrations against what many see as Vucic’s increasingly authoritarian rule. Critics blame the collapse on corruption and poor-quality infrastructure work tied to Chinese state firms.

University students and civil society groups have joined the demonstrations, calling for democratic reforms. Meanwhile, Serbia’s parliament is debating a contentious “foreign agents” bill. Modeled on Russian legislation, it would require organizations receiving over 50% of their funding from foreign sources to register as foreign agents.

Civil society groups and international observers have expressed concerns that the law could stifle freedom of expression, stigmatize NGOs, and strain Serbia’s EU membership aspirations.

Vucic, however, remains defiant, pledging to uphold Serbia’s political neutrality and its ties with both Russia and China while resisting Western pressures, including sanctions against Moscow.

Serbia Faces UEFA Sanctions With Stadium Bans And Fines Over Racist Behaviour In Matches

December 12, 2024, 2:07 pm

UEFA has penalized Serbia during the November Nations League games due to the misconduct of supporters putting a partial closure of stadium for two home games with a ban over selling of tickets to their fans for two matches which were happening against Switzerland and Denmark.

According to UEFA’s disciplinary committee, Serbian fans exhibited “racist and discriminatory” behaviour, caused property damage, threw objects, and set off fireworks during a 1-1 draw against Switzerland in Zurich on November 15.

With these similar incidents occurring again three days later in a goalless home draw with Denmark. These offenses led to a one-match partial stadium closure and the enforcement of a previously suspended one-match closure from October.

Serbia, who face Austria in the relegation playoffs in March after finishing third in their group, also received a financial penalty. The misconduct included a pitch invasion during the Denmark match.

UEFA’s decision underscores its commitment to addressing inappropriate fan behaviour and maintaining the integrity of the sport.

Kosovo Canal Explosion: Power Plants At Risk After Alleged Terrorist Attack

November 30, 2024, 12:00 pm

An explosion on Friday damaged a critical canal that provides water to Kosovo’s primary coal-fired power plants, leaving concern about possible electricity shortages. Prime Minister Albin Kurti described the attack as a “terrorist attack“ by Serbia, citing involvement of professional criminal groups.

PM Kurti Points Fingers at Serbia

Speaking to the nation, Kurti said that this attack is a deliberate and calculated act against the critical infrastructure of Kosovo. “This is a criminal and terrorist attack meant to damage our critical infrastructure,” Kurti said. He also said that the attack was carried out by “professionals” possibly connected to gangs operating under Serbian influence.

The canal, which supplies cooling water to two coal-fired power plants that produce most of Kosovo’s electricity, was damaged near the town of Zubin Potok, a Serb-majority area in the northern region of the country. The canal also supplies drinking water to several areas, including the capital, Pristina.

Potential Electricity Crisis Looms

Prime Minister Kurti warned that if the canal damage is not swiftly repaired, parts of Kosovo could experience power outages as early as Saturday morning. He refrained from providing specific details about the extent of the damage but emphasised the urgency of restoring the water flow.

Rising Tensions in Northern Kosovo

The incident adds to the ongoing tensions between Kosovo and Serbia, particularly in the Serb-majority regions of northern Kosovo. While the blast’s full impact is still being assessed, the attack highlights the vulnerabilities of Kosovo’s essential infrastructure amidst persistent geopolitical frictions.

Authorities are investigating the incident, with international observers closely monitoring the situation.

Mini Russia Grows In Serbia As Thousands Flee the War In Ukraine

September 11, 2024, 1:47 am

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, thousands of Russians have sought refuge in Serbia, with Belgrade becoming home to a thriving Russian community. Over 30,000 Russians have registered for temporary residence in Serbia, contributing to various sectors like hospitality, internet services, and even sports schools.

A Growing Russian Community
Russians in Serbia have created a mini Russia in Belgrade, complete with Russian-owned clubs, galleries, kindergartens, and shops. Cultural performances, including concerts and comedy shows by Russian artists, are also becoming common.

Vadim Morus, a 27-year-old ice skater from Moscow, has found a new life in Serbia, teaching skating to Serbian students. He is one of many who left Russia due to the conflict and rising tensions in the country. His fiancée, Alexandra Mashkanova, explained their decision: “We left due to ideological reasons… trying to understand what was happening after February 24, and then we decided to leave.”

Challenges of Integration
Despite their presence, many Russians in Serbia struggle to integrate into Serbian society. While they enjoy cultural and historical ties between the two nations, many prefer to preserve their identity and live within a distinct Russian community. Viktor, a 42-year-old vet from St. Petersburg, fled Russian mobilization but now works as a handyman for fellow Russians in Belgrade. “I don’t really need Serbian customers,” Viktor explained, emphasizing the isolation many Russians experience despite their shared history with Serbia.

Historical Ties
Serbia has long been connected to Russia through shared religion and history, especially after World War I when White Russians fled to the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes. Today, the relationship between the two nations remains friendly, although Serbia seeks to align more closely with the European Union, which has condemned Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

The Cultural Call
Aleksandar Djokic, a Belgrade-based political scientist, notes that many Russian immigrants are drawn to maintain their cultural identity: “The call of Russian culture is too strong for Russian emigrants in the first generation to even want to fit into the society in which they found themselves.”

While Serbia offers safety and opportunities for Russians fleeing war, for many, it’s a place where they continue to live in the shadow of their homeland.

EU And Serbia Sign Battery Materials Deal Amidst Controversy

July 19, 2024, 3:41 pm

The European Union and Serbia are set to finalize a deal on battery materials during a “critical raw materials summit” on Friday. The summit in Belgrade will be attended by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, and European Commission Vice-President Maros Sefcovic.

The memorandum of understanding is a strategic move for the EU, given the crucial role of lithium in electric vehicle batteries. Serbia’s vast lithium deposits near Loznica are of particular interest, especially after Belgrade recently allowed work to resume at a contentious mining project operated by Anglo-Australian mining giant Rio Tinto.

The Serbian government green-lit the mining project earlier this week, reversing a 2022 decision to revoke Rio Tinto’s permits following mass protests over environmental concerns. This reversal came after Serbia’s constitutional court ruled that the permit cancellations were unconstitutional, clearing the way for the project’s restart.

President Vucic, whose party secured a parliamentary victory in December, has emphasized that environmental protection will be a priority, having secured new assurances from Rio Tinto. German government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit noted that the deal is set against the backdrop of a “sustainable lithium extraction project” in Serbia.

Rio Tinto estimates that Serbia’s lithium reserves could produce about 58,000 tonnes annually, sufficient for 1.1 million electric vehicles. However, opponents of the mining project remain concerned about its environmental and public health impacts. Critics argue that Serbia’s environmental regulations are inadequate and that the mine poses significant risks for the EU’s green transition.

The lithium deposits near Loznica were first discovered in 2004, but public outcry over environmental and health concerns led to a halt in the project. President Vucic has suggested that mining could begin as early as 2028.

Ahead of the summit, Vucic announced that the deal would include provisions to limit the export of raw lithium and ensure that most of the exports would be processed into Serbian-produced batteries or components.

Serbia, a candidate for EU membership since 2012, faces challenges in its accession process, particularly concerning its relations with Kosovo. The Serbian government stated that the new partnership would strengthen political ties and support long-term economic growth, aiding Serbia’s efforts to join the EU.

Novak Djokovic Struck By Water Bottle, Assures Fans Of Being “Fine”

May 11, 2024, 1:53 pm

Novak Djokovic, the top-ranked tennis player from Serbia, reassured fans that he’s okay after being struck on the head by a metal water bottle following his second-round victory at the Italian Open 2024 in Rome.

Despite the incident, Djokovic managed to defeat France’s Corentin Moutet with a score of 6-3, 6-1 on Centre Court, advancing to the third round of the tournament. While it marked a significant milestone in Djokovic’s career with his 1,099th win, the celebratory mood was dampened by the unfortunate injury sustained as he left the court.

During a moment of signing autographs for fans, the incident occurred as Djokovic was struck in the head by a stainless steel water bottle, as captured in footage circulating on social media. The 36-year-old immediately reacted by holding his head in pain and falling to the ground, prompting security guards to surround him. Djokovic was then escorted off the court as officials worked to identify the owner of the water bottle.

“Thank you for the messages of concern. This was an accident and I am fine resting at the hotel with an ice pack. See you all on Sunday,” Djokovic posted on X, on late Friday night in Rome.

Thank you for the messages of concern. This was an accident and I am fine resting at the hotel with an ice pack. See you all on Sunday. #IBI24

— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) May 10, 2024

An alternate view of the incident, shared on social media, depicts a fan’s water bottle accidentally slipping from their bag as they leaned down to request an autograph from Djokovic. Following the match, Djokovic did not proceed with the scheduled press conference, likely due to the incident. Instead, Italian Open officials reported that Djokovic received medical attention at Foro Italico, reassuring that his condition his “condition is not cause of concern.”

“(Djokovic) underwent appropriate medication and has already left the Foro Italico to return to his hotel; his condition is not a cause for concern,” tournament officials said in a statement on Friday.

As a six-time Italian Open champion and holder of 24 Grand Slam titles, the Serbian tennis icon is set to face off against Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo on Sunday, aiming to secure his 1,100th career victory.

Xi Jinping Commences Serbia Visit On The 25th Anniversary Of NATO’s Bombing Of Chinese Embassy

May 7, 2024, 2:31 pm

Chinese Leader Xi Jinping’s Visit to Serbia Coincides with 25th Anniversary of NATO Bombing of Chinese Embassy in Belgrade.

On May 7, 1999, during NATO’s air campaign over Kosovo, U.S. jets mistakenly dropped five bombs on the Chinese Embassy compound in Belgrade, Serbia. The attack resulted in the destruction of the embassy building, claiming the lives of three Chinese nationals and injuring twenty others. This tragic incident has cast a shadow over the relationship between the United States and China for the past twenty-five years.

NATO’s military intervention was initiated in March of that year to compel Slobodan Milosevic, then the Serbian leader, to cease his violent crackdown on ethnic Albanian rebels in Kosovo.

The United States issued an apology shortly after the bombing, attributing it to erroneous intelligence. According to U.S. officials, the intended target was the headquarters of a Serbian state arms exporter situated on the same street, several blocks away from the embassy.

Sven Biscop, a professor specializing in European foreign and security policy at Ghent University and the Egmont Institute, remarked that if, hypothetically, an American Embassy were to be struck anywhere in the world, even accidentally, the response would be swift and decisive.

Biscop further emphasized that for a nation like China, the bombing incident holds significant implications, and its memory remains potent. The attack sparked widespread anti-American protests in China, leading to suspicions that it might have been deliberate rather than accidental. This skepticism and resentment surrounding the event continue to linger.

Biscop noted that reaching a definitive conclusion about the incident is unlikely, but it underscores the unfortunate reality that such tragedies can occur in times of conflict. He advocates for simpler explanations rather than convoluted conspiracy theories.

Despite exacerbating tensions between Beijing and Washington, the embassy bombing paradoxically fostered closer ties between China and Serbia. China’s investment in Serbia has soared, making it the country’s primary source of foreign direct investment and its second-largest trading partner after the European Union.

Beijing’s opposition to the NATO bombing campaign remains steadfast, and it has consistently supported Belgrade’s efforts to resist Western-backed initiatives for Kosovo’s independence, a region formerly part of Serbia. In reciprocation, Serbia has aligned itself closely with Beijing, welcoming significant Chinese investments while simultaneously pursuing EU membership.

Ahead of Xi’s visit on Tuesday and Wednesday, visible displays of pro-China sentiment were evident in Belgrade. A large Chinese flag adorned a skyscraper along the main route from the airport into the city, with smaller Chinese and Serbian flags decorating downtown areas and highways.

Xi’s itinerary includes visits to France before arriving in Serbia and subsequently traveling to Hungary, marking his first European tour in half a decade.

During his time in Serbia, Xi is expected to pay homage to the victims of the embassy bombing by visiting the former embassy site. Today, a Chinese cultural center occupies the location where the embassy once stood.

The expansive complex reportedly encompasses a Confucius Institute, workshops, exhibitions, office facilities, residential accommodations, and a hotel. Regarded as a representation of China’s expanding influence in Serbia and throughout Europe, the complex serves as a significant symbol.

Adjacent to the institute, a delegation of visitors from China was observed last weekend paying their respects near a modest black-marble monument. They reverently bowed and placed flowers in memory of the victims of the 1999 bombing. The monument features an inscription in both Chinese and English that reads: “Honor Martyrs, Cherish Peace.

President Murmu to embark on international tour to Suriname and Serbia: MEA

June 2, 2023, 5:01 pm

On Friday, Minister of External Affairs (MEA) Secretary Saurabh Kumar said that President Droupadi Murmu will travel to Suriname and Serbia from 4 June to 9 June, 2023.

The MEA Secretary briefed about the Suriname leg of the President’s visit. He said the President will be in Suriname on a state visit from 4 June to 6 June, 2023, at the invitation of Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi.

“This will be her maiden visit to Suriname. Maiden state visit after she assumed the office of president. The visit assumes historical significance as the President will be the chief guest at the 150th-anniversary celebrations of the arrival of Indians in Suriname, which would be celebrated on 5 June,” the MEA Secretary said during a special briefing on the President’s visit to Suriname and Serbia.

The President will be accompanied by India’s Minister of State in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution, Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, and Member of Parliament, Shrimati Rama Devi, as well as an official delegation. During his visit, the President will hold official talks with Suriname President Santokhi.

Saurabh Kumar said during the briefing that the President “will participate in a number of activities to commemorate the arrival of Indians in Suriname and visit the sites associated with their history in that country. The President will also interact with the Indian community.”

NATO soldiers injured in clashes with Serb protesters in Kosovo

May 30, 2023, 3:14 pm

Twenty-five soldiers from a NATO-led peacekeeping force were injured in clashes with Serbian protesters while defending three town halls in northern Kosovo. Serbia’s president has put the army on highest level of alert.

The peacekeeping force, called KFOR, condemned the violence that broke out on Monday after ethnic Albanian mayors took office in the Serb-majority region of northern Kosovo, following elections that were boycotted by the Serbs. “While countering the most active fringes of the crowd, several soldiers of the Italian-Hungarian KFOR contingent were the subject of unprovoked attacks and sustained trauma wounds with fractures and burns due to the explosion of incendiary devices,” it said in a statement.

According to the defence ministry, two Serbs were injured during the clash. Kosovo’s President, Vjosa Osmani, accused her Serbian counterpart, Aleksandar Vucic, of destabilising the country.

“Serb illegal structures turned into criminal gangs have attacked Kosovo police, KFOR officers & journalists. Those who carry out Vucic’s orders to destabilise the north of Kosovo, must face justice,” the president tweeted. Meanwhile, Aleksandar Vucic said that 52 Serbs had been injured, with three in critical condition.

Witnesses say the clashes broke out early on Monday in the northern town of Zvecan. State Police reportedly used pepper gas to fend off the Serbs who tried to storm the municipal building. The force is now entirely staffed by ethnic Albanians, after all the Serbs resigned last year.

Defence Minister Milos Vucevic told reporters that Vucic- who is also the commander-in-chief of the Serbian Armed Forces- issued “additional instructions for the deployment of the army’s units in specific, designated positions.” Earlier, KFOR said that it had increased its presence in four northern municipalities following “the latest developments in the area.”

More than 20 years after the Kosovo-Albanian struggle against oppressive Serbian domination, Serbs, who make up the majority in Kosovo’s north, still see Belgrade as their capital and refuse to recognise Kosovo’s proclamation of independence from Serbia.